Affenpinscher
Dog Breed Info: All Dog Breeds
Affenpinscher (Affen)
Monkey Dog, Monkey Terrier
- Quick intelligence and learns very easily
- Reacts with distrust or anger to strangers
- Very lively and closely attached to its owner
| Group | Toy Group |
| Breed Description | The Affenpinscher derives its name from its resemblance to the monkey (Affen in German) and its kinship to the Pinscher. This breed is widely known for its value as a show dog and is a likeable and lively companion. These dogs are small and stocky with a round full head, short muzzle, black nose, black lips, deep round eyes, upright ears, square body, short tail and are generally black in colour. Ears are usually cropped when the dog is between 8 and 10 weeks. Tails are also known to be docked to two-thirds its length before the dog is 10 days old. However, leaving the dog au natural is acceptable. Their coat is stiff and plentiful with hair surrounding the face giving it a monkey-like appearance. |
| Temperament | The Affen forms big opinions, can be stubborn and is no way a pushover. The Affen tends to be possessive of their toys and doesn’t like sharing with other dogs. It is best to introduce the Affen to other household animals early on to eliminate fighting among pets. This breed can be good with children but could be too rough for toddlers without the proper training. The energy level of the Affenpinscher is medium to medium-high, as they like to be doing activities and are usually very curious dogs. These dogs are not recommended for easy house training, outdoor living or someone looking for a mild-mannered Toy. They are known to be very alert and don’t accept everyone willingly and prefer people who are familiar to them. |
| Height/Weight | Affenpinscher is a tiny dog. Average height: 8 to 11 inches. Average weight: 7 to 12 pounds. |
| Health Issues | The Affenpinscher breed has no specific health problems, but it’s good to ask about legg-perthes, patellar luxation, kidney problems, heart murmurs, open fontanel and hypothyroidism. Eyes should be checked regularly since their hair tends to cover the eyes. |
| Life Expectancy | 12 to 14 years |
| Exercise | The Affenpinscher is energetic and likes to play but most of their excesses needs can be meet indoors by throwing their toys around and playing fetch in the backyard. The Affenpinscher is an apt companion for walks in the suburbs or jogs in the city. |
| Living Conditions | The Affenpinscher is uncomfortable in a very warm home and will tend to lose its coat. To prevent this, vitamins and daily brushings will minimize its discomfort. Otherwise, these dogs are happy in apartment or house settings. |
| Grooming | The coat is stiff and plentiful and is shaggy around the face giving a monkey-like appearance. The Affen tends to shed only a little if brushed regularly. Weekly brushing is recommended and the eyes should be monitored as hair tends to grow around the eye causing irritation. If this occurs, it is important to deal with it promptly. This breed sheds very minimal if brushed regularly. The Affenpinscher’s harsh coat should never be clipped short, as it ruins the coat for many years. Before the Affen is ten days old, the tail should be cut to two-thirds its length. |
| Breed Origin | The exact history of this breed is not fully known. Theories suggest that the Affenpinscher descended from the Griffon Bruxellois while others protest it was the other way around and that the Griffon Bruxellois descended from the Affenpinscher. The most common theory is that both breeds could have descended from an extinct German Pinscher originating in Germany. |